Ok......I'm going to start this blog with a controversial statement: I have a problem with today's Gospel. I don't agree with it. Well, actually I do agree with it, but I look at it from a different perspective. It says, "Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father." So, lets dive into this a little bit. The Catholic Church tells us to do three things during Lent; pray, fast and give. However, the Gospel tells us to do it all quietly. It tells us not to look gloomy while fasting or pray for all to see like the hypocrites. It tells us to hide our Lenten practices. I say, I don't like that very much at all. Let me explain.
I LOVE going somewhere after I receive my ashes on Ash Wednesday. In fact, I make it a point to go to quite a few places, especially the grocery store. I brush my bangs to the side and I unleash the black smudge on my forehead for all to see. Then, I wait for the games to begin!! You see, I love Jesus. I love my faith. I want the whole entire world to know how Jesus changed my life. Unfortunately, you just can't walk up to someone and talk to them about Jesus nowadays without being arrested! BUT......on Ash Wednesday, you CAN talk to them about Jesus after they tell you that you have DIRT on your forehead. GOTCHA!!! "Actually sir, that isn't dirt. You see, it is Ash Wednesday and these ashes are a sign that I am a sinner and am making a commitment to live the next 40 days for Christ. I can tell you more about it if you would like." Now.....this is where they either run away from you or maybe you have an amazing conversation with someone about your faith. (I've had both happen!) So, keep it quiet? I think not. This is the greatest day to evangelize and I am going to take full advantage of the black smudge on my head! The difference though, is that I don't do it for glory, or so people think that I am a holy person. I do it because I want other people to experience the love of Jesus Christ that changed my life. I don't do it for ME, I do it for HIM. I do it so that others may come to know Him, be loved by Him and be forever changed by Him.
So, that is where the challenge of this Gospel lies. Why are you fasting? Are you fasting so that others will see it and congratulate you? Are you fasting because you need to lose those extra few pounds? What you do for the next 40 days should be for HIM. You should pray, fast and give because it allows you to have a greater intimacy with Christ. In turn, others won't be able not to notice. You won't look gloomy, you will radiate the joy of Christ! You won't be praying like a hypocrite, you will be living each day with humility and with a servant's heart. People may not be able to see the black smudge on your forehead anymore, but they will see the change in your life. So, when you are out and about during the next 40 days and someone says, "Excuse me. You seem so happy. What is your secret?" TELL THEM. Why? Remember what He did for us? It's the least we could do for Him.
Happy Ash Wednesday everyone!!!
Kim
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